Elle James Forrest

I have been a doula since 2012, offering emotional and practical support from preconception onward.

I encapsulate and otherwise prepare placentas, with a discount for existing clients.

I offer miscarriage and stillbirth support.

Postnatal work can be arranged at any time, including overnight stays, with a discount to existing clients.

If you are interested I will show you how to crochet, so that you can make your own baby clothes and accessories.

About Me:

My role is flexible, above all else.
I want to hear what is important to you, about the birth you envision, how you imagine the fourth trimester, what is on your mind, your grandest hopes and your biggest fears.
I will listen without judgement as you tell me about your experiences and knowledge of birth, and how you see my role.
I will reflect back to you your own ideas and thoughts, and without directing you or giving advice, walk alongside you on your unique journey.
As well as being your advocate, I will gently encourage you to develop agency – to find and own your voice – so that you remain in control of your experience.
I will listen to your partner, if you have one, and be available to them during your pregnancy. Once the birth process is underway I will support you individually, and as a unit.
I am here for you, however you want me to be. My support is unconditional, and I offer you my full presence at all times.

Relevant training:
Paramanadoula training with Michel Odent
Breastfeeding peer supporter
Dancing for Birth
Naturopathy
NVC
Holistic therapies
Reiki levels one and two
‘Post-Term Pregnancy’, by Sara Wickham
‘Mentoring Girls’, through Journey of Young Women
Still Birthday Birth and Bereavement Doula training (ongoing)
‘Holding Space for Pregnancy Loss’, with the Institute of Birth, Breath and Death

My personal experiences of giving birth were the most disempowering and most empowering events of my life. They taught me so much, that I am equally grateful for both.

Hiring a doula in my most recent pregnancy inspired me to become a doula. I wanted to pass on the nurturing attention she gave, which enabled me to develop autonomy to make my own decisions. Her trust allowed me to access and fulfil my emotional needs. She showed me that it’s never too early to hire a doula, and that doula work can be so much more than support during birth itself.

Since then, I have held space for women of many backgrounds, and attended births of all kinds. My philosophy is always to listen, and then listen some more. I believe in meeting the basic needs of the labouring woman, as Michel Odent puts it, in order for birth to be as straightforward as possible.

I have experience of:
breech
caesarean birth
VBAC
induction
unassisted birth
post-dates pregnancy
waterbirth
and twins.
I have attended births at home and in hospital, and some in between!

Please see my website for recent testimonials, and for further information on how I work.

If you think we could work well together, let’s meet up in your favourite spot and we’ll talk over a brew. You can ring, text, Skype, IM and email me in the meantime.

Paramanadoula training with Michel Odent
Breastfeeding peer supporter
Dancing for Birth
Naturopathy
Reiki, level one and two
Holistic therapies
'Holding Space for Pregnancy Loss', a course by the Institute of Birth, Breath and Death
'Post-Term Pregnancy', by Sara Wickham
'Mentoring Girls', training through Journey of Young Women
Still Birthday Birth and Bereavement doula training (ongoing)

About Me:

My role is flexible, above all else.
I want to hear what is important to you, about the birth you envision, how you imagine the fourth trimester, what is on your mind, your grandest hopes and your biggest fears.
I will listen without judgement as you tell me about your experiences and knowledge of birth, and how you see my role.
I will reflect back to you your own ideas and thoughts, and without directing you or giving advice, walk alongside you on your unique journey.
As well as being your advocate, I will gently encourage you to develop agency – to find and own your voice – so that you remain in control of your experience.
I will listen to your partner, if you have one, and be available to them during your pregnancy. Once the birth process is underway I will support you individually, and as a unit.
I am here for you, however you want me to be. My support is unconditional, and I offer you my full presence at all times.

Relevant training:
Paramanadoula training with Michel Odent
Breastfeeding peer supporter
Dancing for Birth
Naturopathy
NVC
Holistic therapies
Reiki levels one and two
‘Post-Term Pregnancy’, by Sara Wickham
‘Mentoring Girls’, through Journey of Young Women
Still Birthday Birth and Bereavement Doula training (ongoing)
‘Holding Space for Pregnancy Loss’, with the Institute of Birth, Breath and Death

My personal experiences of giving birth were the most disempowering and most empowering events of my life. They taught me so much, that I am equally grateful for both.

Hiring a doula in my most recent pregnancy inspired me to become a doula. I wanted to pass on the nurturing attention she gave, which enabled me to develop autonomy to make my own decisions. Her trust allowed me to access and fulfil my emotional needs. She showed me that it’s never too early to hire a doula, and that doula work can be so much more than support during birth itself.

Since then, I have held space for women of many backgrounds, and attended births of all kinds. My philosophy is always to listen, and then listen some more. I believe in meeting the basic needs of the labouring woman, as Michel Odent puts it, in order for birth to be as straightforward as possible.

I have experience of:
breech
caesarean birth
VBAC
induction
unassisted birth
post-dates pregnancy
waterbirth
and twins.
I have attended births at home and in hospital, and some in between!

Please see my website for recent testimonials, and for further information on how I work.

If you think we could work well together, let’s meet up in your favourite spot and we’ll talk over a brew. You can ring, text, Skype, IM and email me in the meantime.